National PTA launches PTA Connected to help families navigate the digital world

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National PTA announced the launch of PTA Connected, an initiative to educate and engage families in digital wellness, security, access, equity and literacy. The initiative formalizes and builds on the association’s work in the digital space in response to the growing needs and interest of parents nationwide. National PTA is launching PTA Connected with support from presenting and founding sponsor Symantec. Additional founding sponsors of the initiative are Facebook, Google and AT&T.

"Parenting in the digital age is increasingly complex, as families strive to help children act safely, responsibly and thoughtfully online," said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. "National PTA has been working for more than five years to explore and address these issues. We remain committed to this important work and are proud to formally launch our PTA Connected initiative."

PTA Connected combines National PTA’s work into a multi-dimensional program that will deepen the understanding and knowledge of parents, families and teachers about digital safety tools and resources; mobilize PTAs, schools and communities to engage families around best practices and shared learning; and generate collective impact.

With the support of corporate and non-profit collaborators, National PTA will educate parents and encourage dialogue to help them guide their children in the digital world and make the best possible decisions for their families. Training and grants will also be delivered to state and local PTA leaders across the country to lead community conversationsgiving parents a space to network and share successes and worries about parenting in the digital world as well as share ideas, resources and tools to help keep children safe online.

As part of the launch of PTA Connected, National PTA also announced a first phase of grants for local PTAs.

An initial 200 PTAs among all 54 state congresses will be selected to receive a $1,000 grant to host a Digital Families Community Event with Facebook.

Twenty-five local PTAs will also be selected to receive a $1,000 grant sponsored by Symantec to host an event in conjunction with Safer Internet Day, which will be celebrated Feb. 5, 2019.

"Symantec has supported National PTA’s education and awareness-raising efforts in cyber safety for many years. Today, we are proud to announce our pioneering involvement with and sponsorship of PTA Connected," said Cecily Joseph, vice president of Corporate Responsibility for Symantec. "Together, we can provide parents with tools and resources that help teach safe internet habits to their kids and support their educational growth, while helping to create an internet where they can safely explore and feel empowered."

"National PTA is grateful to Symantec, Facebook, Google and AT&T for supporting our efforts to help families navigate the digital world. We are pleased to continue our work together through PTA Connected," added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. "As parents, we want our children to connect, learn and have fun through technologyand at the same time, stay safe. National PTA has been and remains committed to fostering safe, positive use of technology and the internet among youth as well as providing families with tools to help their children be successful both online and off."

About National PTA

National PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth.

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